LHSAA 3rd Round Predictions: 4A

After more or less walking through the first couple of rounds, Westgate is really going to be getting their first test of the playoffs in the matchup against Edna Karr. Karr matches up very well with Westgate, as they have the guard play to matchup with the guards, there will be a really good competition between two of the better junior forwards in the state, in De’Antray Hughes for Karr and Keith Lopez for Westgate. However, I think that Westgate has a slight edge in this game, but it is very much so a toss up.

PHLA Pick: Westgate

5) Carencro vs. 13) Warren Easton

For the first time in school history, Carencro has made it to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, but for them to get to the final 4 for the first time, it won’t be a walk in the park. Warren Easton is a very veteran group with three outstanding guards and a big in the middle. However, Carencro matches up very well with all of those points. They will also have the best player in the game in Braylon Chaisson, so it will be tough for Warren Easton to overcome all those. I think Carencro is going to make the final 4 for the first time.

PHLA Pick: Carencro

3) Woodlawn Shreve vs. 11) Northside

Woodlawn Shreve has played on of the toughest schedules in the state, all in preparation for this game. Whoever gets through this game is going to be overwhelming favorites in the next round playing the winner between the 18th and 23rd seed. Northside has without a doubt been playing the best basketball of their year as of late, and the same thing can be said for Woodlawn. Northside’s best player, Seneca Knight, is a 6’6 SG with one of the best shooting strokes in the state. However, Woodlawn has Jalen Brooks, a 6’5 forward with a ton of length and athleticism for the position, so I think he will do as good a job as any at stopping Knight. I will give Woodlawn the slight edge, but this game is a tossup.

PHLA Pick: Woodlawn Shreve

23) St. Martinville vs. 18) Mcdonogh 35

Well I can definitely say this. I didn’t see this coming. And isn’t that what makes high school playoffs so special. There isn’t a person in the entire state that could have predicted this third round matchup between St. Martinville and McDonogh 35 yet here we are with the winner advancing to play on Louisiana high school basketball’s biggest stage. As far as predictions go, I think I might be the worst person to ask for these two teams. I am a combined 1-3 in predicting playoff games for them. I have spent all year watching and scouting and obsessing over every team in the state, yet when it comes to a game to decide who makes it to the Top 28, your guess is as good as mine. And that’s what makes this game special.